The Hoofers Outing Club

A college student's schedule is crammed with lectures, classes, and labs. Expectations for academic achievement from parents, professors, and the student's own intentions run high. Well-organized students create detailed color-coded spreadsheets outlining assignment due dates, project deadlines, and every other responsibility from the first day of the semester until the last. But even the most dedicated student needs time away from academia to refresh, recharge, and restore their commitment to college life. For many, Mother Nature provides that escape.

The Hoofers Outing Club at the University of Wisconsin–Madison operates under an umbrella organization with six clubs: sailing, horseback riding, scuba diving, ski and snowboarding, mountaineering, and outing. The Outing Club is the largest, offering ten different activities: backpacking, canoeing, sea kayaking, whitewater kayaking, fly fishing, conservation, trail running, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and mountain biking. 

"Hoofers is something that I know I can always rely on for an exciting and enjoyable break from school work," said member Lucy Manzetti. "It is a perfect outlet to reconnect with others who share your passions, especially for the outdoors."

Founded by a group of students in 1931, the club continued to grow. Over the decades, additional club branches have been created and flourished. 

Hoofers' mission is to make the outdoors accessible to everyone at the University and the larger local Madison community. The group's activities focus on educating members about outdoor skills and experiences, encouraging active involvement in recreation through leadership and instruction, and offering programs that address environmental issues and community concerns.

An executive board handles much of the behind-the-scenes administrative work that keeps the club running professionally. The board includes the president, vice president, land and water safety chairs, treasurer, tech chair, and social chair.

Each outing club activity is represented by a leadership member on the activity board, which meets bi-weekly to stay aligned on goals and planning. Collectively, these leaders ensure the club runs smoothly. 

"Being President of the Outing Club has been an absolute privilege," said Jace Addy. "There are a few other college experiences that give you the chance to learn so much and hold an extreme amount of responsibility. When I look back at the experience, the most fulfilling aspect was the opportunity to have a positive influence on everyone around me.Enthusiasm trickles down."

Each club under the Hoofers umbrella has its specific mission, but all share a common goal: to inspire people to try and learn new outdoor skills. Based in the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Memorial Union, Hoofers members spend most of their time outside. Weekend trips explore the Midwest, while spring break and summer trips often crisscross the lower 48 states.

"Hoofers provides a great opportunity for me to be in nature and get active, which is a great break from studying and campus life," says member Kate Clark. "The club has allowed me to go on so many trips and explore places I never would have been able to without the club!"

While students make up most of Hoofer's membership, community members play a valuable role in shaping the club's culture. Many bring years of outdoor experience, specialized knowledge, and a deep passion for recreation and conservation. Their involvement adds depth to our activities and offers mentorship opportunities for students just starting in the outdoors. 

Dennis Mossholde, a long-time community member, said, "One of the wonderful things about this club is that you're getting people started right away, in college, doing activities that they can do for their entire lives. It's very healthy, getting to know your environment."

Hoofers is a space for students and the broader Madison community to connect over shared hobbies. Some members come to learn, others come to teach, but everyone is here to make friends and go on epic adventures," said Addy. "My favorite part of Hoofers is the resources we provide to folks new to the outdoors. As someone who joined the club with little outdoor prowess, I have personally experienced the advanced level of inclusivity and education provided to anyone seeking it."

Hoofers is actively working to expand community member engagement even further. By creating more inclusive programming, increasing outreach, and building partnerships with local organizations, the club hopes to strengthen the bridge between campus and community. The club isn't just a student organization but a space where people of all ages and skill levels come together to share in the joy of outdoor adventure.

Over this academic year, Hoofers has hosted 50 social events, 12 backpacking trips, 16 mountain biking trips, 28 quiet water trips, 20 whitewater trips, 28 sea kayaking trips, 22 trail runs, and 16-day hikes. Members share a belief that whether it's a big expedition far from campus or a quick outing nearby, the energy and enthusiasm in this club are truly inspiring.

"The favorite part is we're all a bunch of hoofers. Regardless of how old you are and what you're doing, you're a Hoofer. Everybody's welcome," said Mossholde.

The club offers a wide range of activities beyond trips. Social events include trip planning, arts and crafts, gear maintenance, and collaborations with other clubs. Various social events are held throughout the year to keep members engaged. 

We also regularly welcome guest speakers who provide insights into specific activities and help spark interest in trying something new. Recently, members from Trout Unlimited visited to teach members how to tie flies for fly fishing. The instructors brought the necessary materials and guided members through the process. The workshop was an excellent opportunity for members who might not have otherwise tried fly fishing to explore a new activity and develop a new interest. 

The club also hosts orientation sessions, especially for water-based activities. These often include paddling practice, T-rescues, and more, either on the lake or in the pool during the winter months. As for trips, there's something for everyone. Hoofers offer day and weekend trips, which are the most common, but there are also week-long adventures during spring break and longer trips over the summer. No matter the activity, there's always excitement and a strong sense of involvement.

"My favorite part of Hoofers is definitely the people," said Manzetti. "The community that is created through this club is so inclusive, supportive, and fun to be around... Every week at the meetings makes you feel like you truly belong and that you have an amazing network of people to connect with."

Of course, with all this adventure comes a strong emphasis on safety. To ensure safety within the club, Hoofers uses a standardized rating system to measure the level of risk participants encounter. Ratings are based on several factors, including distance from medical services, distance from campus, expected weather conditions, and the experience level of the trip leader. This system also applies to water-based activities and mountain biking. 

Over spring break, six Hoofer trips went out, each offering unique and memorable experiences. One group headed to Florida for a sea kayaking trip, where participants earned their American Canoe Association paddling skills certifications; the trip included three leaders and 4 participants. Another group went mountain biking in Sedona, Arizona, with 6 participants and two leaders. For the first time, Hoofers organized a road trip that visited all five national parks in Utah with 5 participants and 2 leaders. There was also a canoeing trip to the Buffalo River in Arkansas, with 10 participants and 2 leaders. Two backpacking trips went out: one to the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico and another to Capitol Reef National Park.

Addy said, "My favorite trip with the club was the Gila Wilderness spring break backpacking trip in March. It gave me a greater appreciation for the diverse scenery of the Southwest. Never in my life would I have thought that I would have the opportunity to be taught how to paddle a whitewater and mountain bike."

A student's life can be a constant financial juggle. Hoofers is known for being an affordable way to get involved in outdoor activities. Several membership options accommodate different needs and schedules: an annual membership for $65, an academic year membership for $45, and semester memberships for $35. These fees grant members access to a wide range of high-quality gear and equipment, making it easier to try new activities without a significant upfront investment. In addition to the membership fee, most trips include a small additional cost to cover essentials like food and gas. 

Hoofers are not slowing down anytime soon. There's a long list of trips planned for the summer and fall. Throughout the summer, paddling leaders have an opportunity to train in all the club's paddling types: whitewater canoeing and kayaking, flatwater canoeing, and sea kayaking. 

"Hoofers is something that I know I can always rely on for an exciting and enjoyable break from school work, and it is a perfect outlet to reconnect with others who share the same passions as you, especially for the outdoors. Hoofer Outing is the best club I've ever been involved in, and I'm so glad I get to be a part of it," says Manzetti.